3. Running in Shakespeare Country

I left my familiar tracks high on the Chalk of the Surrey Hills to find my 12 miler yesterday in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Started along the banks of the River Avon, then heading west into rural Warwickshire along The Greenway, following part of the route for the Shakespeare Marathon. We are having fabulous weather here in the UK – almost no rain for the whole of September – and the mist was still rising as I set out across the floodplain by Stratford racecourse. Views of the Cotswolds and Bredon Hill in the distance, with the leaves just showing a faint tinge of yellow.

Crossed the river again by The Four Alls pub in Welford-on-Avon before turning homeward in glorious autumn sunshine. Swans, canal boats and rowers were out in force alongside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre by the time I got back to town.

Spent a relaxing (nerve-wracked) afternoon with the golf coverage from The Belfry nearby. Back home in Guildford today to enjoy a very easy four miles along the River Wey towpath with friends whilst discussing the fine example set by both US and European teams. Truly a pinnacle of international sport. Sam Ryder himself was once captain of Stratford Golf Club and he would have been proud.

4:18 in London 2001 and just two weeks from trying to crack four hours in Chicago – it’ll be tough, but like an Azinger bunker shot or an Irish putt on the 18th, I’m going to have the fun of my life trying to make it happen !